Cornish Film and Movie Locations
With its rugged heathlands and charming cobbled streets, it's no wonder Cornwall has become a sought-after destination for film and TV productions.
St Ives, has deep-rooted connections to the world of pirates, a legacy that was brought to life on the big screen in 2011 with the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. The stunning coastal town served as a backdrop for the fourth instalment of this swashbuckling adventure, adding to Cornwall’s reputation as a perfect setting for pirate tales and maritime drama.
Mount’s Bay, with its stunning landscapes, has served as the backdrop for several notable film and television productions. One of the most recent was the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, which filmed scenes at the iconic St Michael’s Mount. The striking castle-like island may have also reminded producers of its brief appearance in Johnny English, where it stood in for the castle of John Malkovich’s character, Pascal Sauvage.
Back in 2004, Mount’s Bay also played host to the critically acclaimed Ladies in Lavender, starring the legendary Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith. The quaint cottage where the two sisters lived was filmed at the picturesque Prussia Cove, nestled between Helston and Penzance. This tranquil corner of Cornwall continues to capture the imaginations of filmmakers and visitors alike.
Port Isaac, a charming and tucked-away fishing village, gained national attention in 2004 when it became the fictional setting of Doc Martin, known as Portwenn in the show. The series captivated up to 10 million viewers per episode, a remarkable feat considering the village's population is just around 700.
In 2019, Port Isaac's cinematic allure was reignited with the release of Fisherman’s Friends. The film, based on the true story of the famous Cornish sea shanty group from the village, brought the spotlight back to this picturesque location. The band, known as Fisherman’s Friends, rose to fame after being discovered and signed by Universal Records, adding to Port Isaac’s growing reputation in the entertainment world.
Newquay, was thrust into the spotlight 30 years ago with the release of the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches in 1990. Iconic scenes were filmed at The Headland Hotel, perched atop a clifftop and offering stunning views of Cornwall's famous Fistral Beach. The hotel's dramatic location added to the film's eerie atmosphere, making it an unforgettable part of the movie's enduring legacy.
Cornwall has played a starring role in several James Bond films, with the stunning coastline providing the perfect backdrop for 007’s thrilling adventures. Pierce Brosnan, who starred in Die Another Day, famously remarked, "Cornwall and Bond go well together. Bond spends a lot of time on the ocean surrounded by beautiful coastlines and beautiful girls. That is exactly what you find in Cornwall. It really is quite inspiring."
In Die Another Day, the secret Korean military base was constructed on Holywell Bay, near Newquay, taking four weeks to build. Other iconic locations in Cornwall also featured in the film, including the Eden Project near St Austell, where a piece of the set—a fake boulder—still remains as a testament to its cinematic past. Cornwall’s breathtaking landscapes continue to serve as a perfect fit for the world of Bond.
Charlestown, with its Grade II listed Georgian port, has been a prominent feature in many of these productions. Most notably, during the airing of BBC’s Poldark from 2015 to 2019, the picturesque harbor was used to portray Truro’s harbor.
But Charlestown’s cinematic history stretches beyond Poldark. In 2011, it welcomed Doctor Who and Matt Smith’s iconic TARDIS. Just a year prior, parts of Tim Burton's 2010 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland also showcased Charlestown’s enchanting harbor.
Travel back even further to 1976, and the renowned Sir Michael Caine was seen filming The Eagle Has Landed in the heart of this scenic village.
Charlestown’s rich film legacy continues to capture the imagination of visitors and filmmakers alike.
Portloe, a picturesque village on the Roseland Peninsula, served as a key location for Richard Curtis' time-traveling romantic drama About Time, starring Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams. The charming village provided the perfect backdrop for many of the film's scenes, capturing the essence of Cornwall's natural beauty. Porthpean House is used as the family home, whilst many scenes were filmed 8 miles away on Vault Beach in Gorran Haven although the film portrays the beach to be sat directly underneath the house. St Michael's Penkevil Church near Truro is used as the venue for where Tim and Mary get married.
Falmouth made its mark on the big screen in 2011 when Hollywood star Brad Pitt visited for the filming of the multimillion-pound blockbuster World War Z. Falmouth's scenic docks provided a dramatic backdrop for the film's action-packed scenes.
Beyond World War Z, Falmouth Docks has long been a popular filming location, with a rich history of serving as a base for maritime films. Notable productions like Scott of the Antarctic and the Hornblower series have used these historic docks to bring their sea-bound stories to life, further cementing Falmouth’s status as a cinematic gem.
Bodmin Moor was the location for Alfred Hitchcock's brilliant adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s 1936 novel Jamaica Inn was released in May 1939, starring Charles Laughton. It became a landmark in cinematic history, being the last film Hitchcock directed in the UK, and it was filmed on location in Cornwall. The real Jamaica Inn, perched on the edge of the rugged Bodmin Moor, still stands today, inviting visitors to enjoy a hearty meal and immerse themselves in its rich, historical atmosphere. It remains a captivating spot for those wanting to connect with the eerie charm that inspired the novel and the iconic film.
